Arizona Shotokai is an amazing dojo; all to the credit of Sensei Ralph Palomino. My daughter joined Arizona Shotokai after the American Kenpo-style dojo she was attending closed down. She liked doing karate and so I began the search to find a new dojo. I was disappointed to find dojo's that had packed classes taught by non-black belt students, really dirty dojos, and the annoying sales-pressure pitch. I was happy that I continued my dojo search which brought me to Arizona Shotokai. The dojo is very clean and non-carpeted (no grimy carpet germs!). (The kids are on foam tiles.) Shotokan is a traditional style karate and I was worried that my daughter might not be able to adapt to it but this is where Sensei Ralph's amazing instruction comes in. He is patient, kind and teaches perfection. He teaches all levels and all the classes at his dojo. He gets to know his students well and gives each student the proper attention they need. The classes have a good balance in how he teaches- has fun, yet expects the kids to be respectful to their practice, the dojo and to him. It's subtle things like calling kids Miss. or Mr. that help foster that mutually respectful environment. He is creative in his drills and lessons.
My daughter has come a long way and under his instruction- she attended her first karate competition this summer (less then a year after we joined), placing first in kata (forms). The dojo is a little further from my house then I would have preferred but the drive is worth it! My daughter looks forward to karate and LOVES her time in the dojo. Sensei Ralph runs a quality program; you or your child would be lucky to be under his instruction.